Filling feeler for loom bobbins



Nov. 16, 1965 J. B. SHERRILL 3,217,753

FILLING FE ELERiFOR LOOM BOBBINS Filed Aug. 17, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 3 O y 22 lg. 82

4/ o I '24 I 52/ Fly, 4 A

John Shem-H 1N TOR.

Nov. 16, 1965 J. B. SHERRILL FILLING FEELER FOR LOOM BOBBINS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 1'7, 1962 Fig. 5

Fig. 6

I IILIM John B. Sherri/l IN VENTOR.

United States Patent Office 3,217,753 Patented Nov. 16, 1965 3,217,753 FILLING FEELER FOR LOOM ROBBINS John B. Sherrill, P.0. Drawer 578, Gastonia, N.C. Filed Aug. 17, 1962, Ser. No. 217,592 3 Claims. (Cl. 139-281) The present invention generally relates to filling feelers for loom bobbins, and more specifically to improvements therein directed toward maintaining the feeler rod in the desired relationship to the bobbin, and further, the provision of a trip or actuating mechanism located so as to be integrally connected to the filling feeler case and always in adjusted alignment with the feeler rod.

In looms of the automatic type, a filling feeler of the side slipping type is generally provided, this feeler functioning, upon making contact with the depleted bobbin, to close a circuit for energizing the motor of a conventional bobbin changer. However, in order to ensure the proper functioning of such filling feelers, the proper point of contact between the feeler rod tip and the yarn filled bobbin must be maintained, such devices generally going out of alignment after specific periods of use either because of the wearing of the different parts thereof or the vibrations introduced by the operation of the loom.

Accordingly, one of the primary objects of the present invention resides in the provision of a filling feeler which can be quickly and easily adjusted so as to compensate for any misalignment.

Further, an object of the present invention resides in the provision of means by which a misalignment of the feeler can be quickly noticed.

A further object of the present invention resides in the provision of a filling feeler wherein the contact means are integrally provided within the feeler case so as to ensure a positive alignment of the trip mechanism with the feeler rod.

Likewise, an object of the present invention is to provide a filling feeler which is equally adaptable for use with a mechanical trip mechanism or as a means for closing an electrical circuit, thus making it adaptable for incorporation into various types of looms.

Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a means for ensuring the proper orientation of various styles and types of feeler rods as well as rod tips thus greatly increasing the versatility of the filling feeler.

Further, an object of the invention is to provide a removable wear plate for the inner end of the rod thereby both eliminating the necessity of providing a wear plate integral with the feeler housing and allowing for a greater control over the quality of the plate. It will also be appreciated that such an independent plate can be quickly replaced without dismantling or replacing the entire housing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a series of engageable electrically conductive parts within a dielectric housing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a vibration damper so as to control the actuating rod and prevent a premature filling or shuttle change.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable filling feeler which is simple in construction and capable of use over extended periods of time, any adjustmnet necessary being quickly accomplished by the use of conventional tools.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, andin which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates the device of the present invention with the feeler tip in contact with a yarn containing bobbin;

FIGURE 2 is a view of the filling feeler illustrating the manner in which it is adjustably mounted on the loom frame;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substanially on a plane passing along line 3-3 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 44 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 and illustrates contact with a bobbin depleted or yarn resulting in the side slip illustrated in phantom lines;

FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 66 in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is an exploded partial perspective view of the feeler case illustrating the adjustable stop used to adjust the angle at which the feeler rod extends; and

FIGURE 8 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuit for actuating the bobbin changer motor.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally designates the filling feeler comprising the present invention. This filling feeler 10 is provided with a housing orientated in a horizontal position with the inner end thereof directed transversely toward the path of a traveling bobbin. A transparent top cover 14 is removably secured thereto by a plurality of threaded fasteners 16 extending through the transparent cover 14 and into raised portions 18 integrally formed with and appropriately placed about the casing 12 thus enabling a constant observation and check on the internal operating portions. The casing 12 is divided into a large or main chamber 20 and a small chamber 22 by means of an abutment wall 24, the smaller chamber 22 being in the same plane as and in alignment with the inner portion of the main chamber 20.

The feeler rod 26, extending outwardly through an elongated slot 28 in the inner end wall of the housing 12, is angularly bent as at 30 so as to enable the inner portion 32 thereof to extend toward the side wall 34 of the housing 12 with the free end 36 of this portion 32 being upwardly curved and maintained in sliding contact with an elongated metal wear plate 38 by spring means 40, a first end of which is engaged about the portion 32 of the rod 26 and the other end of which is secured to the housing 12 in any suitable manner such as by engagement about a stub shaft 39 projecting upwardly from the base of the housing 12. The metallic wear plate 38, positioned within a groove 44, is provided with inwardly curved ends 41 and 42 with the end 41 receiving the curved end 36 of the rod 26 when the rod is in its outermost position. The full significance of this wear plate 38 will be recognized after an examination of the various conventional filling feelers now in use wherein the end of the rod bears directly agianst the housing of the filling feeler. These conventional housings are in most instances cast in gray iron or other similar material not particularly adapted to provide a suitable wear resistant bearing surface and requiring a replacing of the entire housing at frequent intervals due to various causes such as wearing, scoring, pitting or other failures because of the inherent characteristics in the metal. The provision of a separate wear plate as in the instant case enable the specifications and qualities of the plate to be much more closely controlled with any wearing or failure therein requiring only a replacement of the plate and not the entire housing.

To properly position the rod 26, allowing only horizontal movement and avoiding any undesirable lateral sway, projecting portions 46 and 48 are formed on the base of the housing 12. In conjunction with the projections 46 and 48, it is also contemplated that downwardly extending portions 50 be provided on the top cover 14 for the same purpose.

As Will be appreciated by those familiar with this field of endeavor, filling feelers of the side slipping type are adaptable to many styles and types of actuating rods with interchangeable tips usually requiring an adjustment with each change due to the peculiarities of metal forming and the various tolerances used. This adjustment is essential in that the device will only function properly when the tip is perfectly aligned at right angles to the bobbin so as to avoid a scuffing of the yarn. Prior to the present invention, it was only possible to make such adjustments by adjusting or canting the entire case or housing which, as will be recognized, must of necessity throw the other elements within the housing out of alignment thus tending to cause a malfunctioning of the entire device. The present invention overcomes this deficiency in the conventionally used devices by the unique provision of a novel adjustable bearing block or stop plate 54 movable so as to insure the proper contact of the feeler rod tip 52 with the yarn without moving or adjusting the entire housing, thus resulting in the desired horizontal inward movement of the rod 26 and the prevention of any premature side slipping. This stop 54 is provided with a serrated bottom surface 56 for mating engagement with the serrated surface 58 extending upwardly from the bottom of the housing 12, the desired adjustment being effected by a bolt means 60 extending through a countersunk elongated slot 62 in the adjustable stop 54, an outwardly projecting rib 64 being provided immediately adjacent the serrated portion 58 so as to define a channel for the reception of the stop member 54.

With reference to FIGURE it will be noted that upon contact of the feeler rod tip 52 with the emptied bobbin, the conventional side slipping movement occurs, at which time the rod 26 is brought into contact with the actuating rod 66 which is spring-biased forwardly by the coil spring 68 located within the small chamber 24, a spring seat 76 being provided at one end thereof andan adjustable stop 72 provided at the other end thereof, the stop being provided with a releasable retaining means such as setscrew 74 so as to enable the adjustment of the degree to which the forward end 76 of the actuating shaft 66 extends irito the main chamber 20. It will be appreciated that this contact between the rod 26 and the shaft 66 will cause a rearward movement of the shaft 66 against the biasing force of the spring 68. In a mechanical filling feeler, the purpose of this rod 66, frequently of great length varying from eight to ten inches, is to actuate a trip which in turn causes the loom mechanism to effect a filling or shuttle change. Without the incorporation of the spring 68 as a vibration damper and as a positive means of actuating rod control, the actuating rod 66 is inclined to set up vibrations or bounce, thereby causing a premature filling or shuttle change. This feature is especially essential where the adjustments on the loom are crucial and exact as must be the case when filament yarns are being woven.

It will be apparent from the above description, that with slight modifications the filler feeler can be made so as to complete the electrical circuit therethrough for the starting of the bobbin changer motor. In such cases, a suitable conductor 7 8 is secured in current transmitting relationship to the metallic Wear plate 38 by fastener means 8-0 thus providing a contact point for engagement by the end 36 of the rod 26, with the other contact point consisting of the end 76 of the shaft 66, a closed circuit being effected by the metal rod 26 coming in contact therewith, the spring means 46 maintaining the end 36 in contact with the plate 38. In the electrical unit, the spring 68 serves as a means of adjusting the force and extent of contact between the filling feeler rod 26 and the projecting surface of the electrical contact 76, so as to insure an electric circuit across the electrically conductive parts, the use of a plate 38 electrically conductive in nature allowing for the use of dielectric material in the construction of the remainder of the housing.

In order to adjustably mount the filling feeler 10 on the loom frame 82, in its normal operative position, an angularly extending bracket 84 is provided with the leg 86 having a slot 88 therein which in turn receives the bolt 90 therethrough, the head 92 of the bolt being received within a recess 94 inside of the housing 12. The leg 96 of the bracket 84 is similarly provided with an elongated slot 98 for the reception of a bolt 100 therethrough, this bolt 100 also extending through an elongated slot 102 within the frame member 82 thus allowing for a wide range of adjustment on mounting the filling feeler 10. 7

FIGURE 8, it will be noted, is a diagrammatic view of the electric circuit with the bobbin changer mot-or being designated by the latter M and with the circuit being illustrated in an open position as well as a closed position by means of phantom lines.

While it will be appreciated that the housing 12 can be constructed of a wide range of different materials, it is preferred that nylon be used with the top or cover of the case being transparent. I

From the foregoing, it is considered to be readily apparent that a novel filling feeler for looms has been defined wherein easily adjustable means are provided for effecting a rapid adjustment of the angle at which the feeler rod extends from the housing so as to compensate for any misalignment occasioned by wear, vibration, the substitution of different feeler tips or any other means. In addition, the filling feeler of the present invention includes, also within the housing, an actuating rod or contact means adjustably mounted so as to maintain a constant and proper relationship to the feeler rod in a vibration free manner, the integral orientation of the actuating rod with the remainder of the feeler construction within the housing ensuring the positive contact deemed necessary for the proper functioning of such a device.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

l. A feeler mechanism for looms comprising a housing, said housing including a base, a stop block, means for securing said stop block to said base in a plurality of laterally adjusted positions, a side slipping feeler rod positioned over said base and extending outwardly beyond one end of said base, a top secured to and paralleling said base, said feeler rod being retained freely between said top and said base, and means resiliently biasing said feeler rod against said stop block, said stop block including an elongated slot therethrough, an apertured in the base in alignment with said slot, said means securing said stop block including a bolt means extended through said slot and engaged within said aperture so as to releasably clamp said'block to said base, interlocking means on the juxtaposed faces of the block and base so as to assist in the prevention of lateral movement of the stop block upon the securing thereof in any of a plurality of laterally adjusted position, said interlocking means consisting of uniform mating serrations on said surfaces.

2. A feeler mechanism for looms comprising a housing, said housing including a base, a stop block, bolt means for securing said stop block to said base in a plurality of laterally adjusted position, said stop block including an elongated slot therethrough, an aperture in said base in alignment with said slot, said bolt means projecting through said slot and engaged within said aperture, a side slipping feeler rod positioned over said base and extending outwardly beyond one end of said base, a top secured to and paralleling said base, said feeler rod being retained freely between said top and base, and means resiliently biasing said feeler rod against said stop block, said base including a plurality of upwardly projecting serrations, said stop block including a plurality of downwardly projecting serrations mating with the base serrations, both groups of serrations being uniform so as to allow a lateral adjustment of the stop block.

3. The structure of claim 2 including a peripheral wall about said base, said base serrations being orientated ad jacent the one end of the base beyond which the feeler rod extends, an elongated rib projecting upwardly from said base inward of the serrations and parallel to said one end of the base, said rib and the portion of the peripheral wall corresponding to said one end of the base defining a channel for said stop block.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 339,324 4/ 1886 Roscoe 292-276 1,454,343 5/1923 Snow 139-281 1,593,426 7/1926 Brown et al 139-281 1,670,283 5/1928 Davis 139-281 1,761,618 6/1930 Davis 139-281 1,854,963 4/1932 Thatcher 139-273 2,030,688 2/1936 Dodge 139-281 2,234,083 3/1941 Pinkul 139-281 2,254,100 8/1941 Budzyna 139-281 2,808,077 10/1957 Ratkiewicz 139-281 X 2,829,678 4/1958 Beall 139-273 3,062,243 11/1962 Lee et a1. 139-281 X DONALD W. PARKER, Primary Examiner.

RUSSELL C. MADER, Examiner. 

1. A FEELER MECHANISM FOR LOOMS COMPRISING A HOUSING, SAID HOUSING INCLUDING A BASE, A STOP BLOCK, MEANS FOR SECURING SAID STOP BLOCK TO SAID BASE IN A PLURALITY OF LATERALLY ADJUSTED POSITIONS, A SIDE SLIPPING FEELER ROD POSITIONED OVER SAID BASE AND EXTENDING OUTWARDLY BEYOND ONE END OF SAID BASE, A TOP SECURED TO AND PARALLELING SAID BASE, SAID FEELER ROD BEING RETAINED FREELY BETWEEN SAID TOP AND SAID BASE, AND MEANS RESILIENTLY BIASING SAID FEELER ROD AGAINST SAID STOP BLOCK, SAID STOP BLOCK INCLUDING AN ELONGATED SLOT THERETHROUGH, AN APERTURED IN THE BASE IN ALIGNMENT WITH SAID SLOT, SAID MEANS SECURING SAID STOP BLOCK INCLUDING A BOLT MEANS EXTENDED THROUGH SAID SLOT AND ENGAGED WITHIN SAID APERTURE SO AS TO RELEASABLY CLAMP SAID BLOCK TO SAID BASE, INTERLOCKING MEANS ON THE JUXTAPOSED FACES OF THE BLOCK AND BASE SO AS TO ASSIST IN THE PREVENTION OF LATERAL MOVEMENT OF THE STOP BLOCK UPON THE SECURING THEREOF IN ANY OF A PLURALITY OF LATERALLY ADJUSTED POSITION, SAID INTERLOCKING MEANS CONTAINING A UNIFORM MATING SERRATIONS ON SAID SURFACES. 